Flyers mid-sixties teams were dynasty; won Ontario title in 65-66

By C. Scott Holland

While most of us know that the Leamington Flyers have been a powerful Jr. B and Jr. C team, many do not realize that the club spent three seasons — 1964-65 to 1966-67 — without a league in which to play. Instead of junior hockey, they were entered in the Bluewater Juvenile League, and during their three-season tenure, were one of the most formidable teams in the province.

During that time, they made it to at least the OMHA semi-finals every year and won one provincial championship. It is an injustice to try to cover all three seasons in one article, so each season will be featured over the next few weeks.

The power of the 1965-66 club was realized as the championship run began.

That club featured two future NHLers in Brad Selwood and Randy Manery, but those two were only a small part of the well-balanced machine that was the Flyers.

Leamington Flyers Brad Selwood, left, and Randy Manery, right, posing with Detroit Red Wings’ Bert Marshall at the Flyers annual banquet. Selwood was the club’s top scorer, while Manery was named MVP.

Photo courtesy of the Scott Holland Collection

Immense support and talent was shown by Joe Couture, Bill Wright, Dennis Dyck, Greg Mason, Don Ryall, Fred McKeen, Harold Martin, Dan Stasso, Roger Zeray, Don Mastronardi, Jim Gillanders, Barry Thompson, Neil Bradbury and goalie Bill Salisbury.

And that doesn’t even include the three “black aces” in Ron Haley, Rick Imeson and Garth Phibbs, who seldom saw ice time but were at every game Fred Epplett was at the helm as the GM, with Ken Playford at his side as the Assistant GM.

Head coach Bill Sanford had his ‘A Minor’ Juvenile entry in fine form and it was evident right from the outset. In the opening two game, total goals series against Byron, the Flyers thrashed their opponent 12-4.

The 1966 championship crest

In a best of three second round versus Goderich, both Manery and Selwood shone, as the Flyers took both contests. Fort Erie became the next club on their list and the third (semi-final) series became delayed after Fort Erie asked for a week delay because of suspension troubles.

That tactic certainly backfired as the Flyers overwhelmed them in yet another best of two total-goals series. They topped Fort Erie by a total of 17-5.

The Flyers vaulted into the provincial finals and met Dorset Park — a Toronto suburb. After two close calls at winning the crown, the Leamington club emerged with the honours and were deemed champions of 1965-66.